Ex-president fills inquiry board with cronies

Nicaragua's former president named a commission to consider whether to strip him of his immunity but packed it with supporters, almost guaranteeing a power struggle in congress over whether to force him to stand trial on corruption charges.

Leftist Sandinistas and supporters of President Enrique Bolanosrejected the move by the former leader, Arnoldo Aleman. They claim to have a majority in congress and say they will reject the legislative body's governing board and name a new leadership.

The country is debating whether to force Mr Aleman to face charges that he stole $100m (£64m) and then funnelled it through various foundations that allegedly benefited the former leader, his friends and relatives.

Mr Aleman, who heads congress, named the commission on Wednesday in a last-ditch attempt to stay in power. Polls show the majority of Nicaraguans support putting Mr Aleman on trial. But Mr Aleman said the dismissal of congress's governing board and the naming of a new commission would be an "act of terrorism."

The debate has split the country's ruling party and thousands of Nicaraguans were expected to gather yesterday for demonstrations.

Since taking office this year Mr Bolanos has launched an investigation into corruption.

Now, with growing support from the public and the United States government, he is trying to bring Mr Aleman to trial.